19" v 20" wheels on my '18 GLE 350
02-27-2022, 12:21 PM
#1
19" v 20" wheels on my '18 GLE 350
Hi all, I just bought a 2018 CPO GLE 350. I will be doing a lot of driving and comfort and road noise are a priority. My GLE came with 20" wheels (265x45x20). It seems to 'hit hard' when I go over even a, seemingly, minor pothole. Is there a noticeable ride difference with the 19" wheels? I'm looking to put 255x50x19 Michelin Defender LTX M/S on.....any input would be appreciated before I make the investment to swap out the 20's for the 19's. Thanks!!!
02-27-2022, 01:52 PM
#2
Super Member
Going to 19 inch will definitely help. I have 2015 ML 350 with 19 inch and Michelin Defender 255/50/19. Its a good wearing tire and quiet. Some have recommended the Pireilla as being smoother ride. A 19 inch wheel will give the car more side wall to absorb bumps, but will decrease handling some. There are many links on this site about tire size. Not sure where you are located but you will find 20 inch wheels in high demand for those going for looks and better handling Personally, I prefer the 19 for ride smoothness and lower price. Look on the wheels for sale on this site or eBay for replacement OEM 19 inch wheels and then list yours.
You will find many on this site (look at ML166 site too, basically the same car) complaining about the bouciness of the ML and GLE. Its just a big vehicle and is going to bounce around a lot unless you change to stiffer shocks, or going to lower springs. I just sold set of OEM 19 inch wheels for 675 shipped , I replaced them with another set ie different style OEM 19 inch wheel.
Use the search engine and you will find more than enough info to either confuse you or enable you to make a decision. Good luck
You will find many on this site (look at ML166 site too, basically the same car) complaining about the bouciness of the ML and GLE. Its just a big vehicle and is going to bounce around a lot unless you change to stiffer shocks, or going to lower springs. I just sold set of OEM 19 inch wheels for 675 shipped , I replaced them with another set ie different style OEM 19 inch wheel.
Use the search engine and you will find more than enough info to either confuse you or enable you to make a decision. Good luck
02-28-2022, 07:55 AM
#4
Member
When I bought my 2016 GLE I ordered it with the stock 18" wheels and 255-55 R18 tires. I wanted the most sidewall I could get to help with the ride quality.
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forbog (02-28-2022)
02-28-2022, 08:26 PM
#7
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2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I have 20" wheels and they are harsh. Factory tires were terrible, even when nearly new. Replacement tires have ben tolerable.
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02-28-2022, 09:27 PM
#9
Super Member
I thought the diesel models (ML/GLE) came with 18 inch as standard. Since I don't have 18 inch wheels I can't comment on ride quality.
02-28-2022, 09:48 PM
#11
Senior Member
Maybe the confusion has come in with diesel versus gasoline and 300 versus 350 because this is the 350 forum…
Last edited by Chefcct; 03-01-2022 at 07:28 AM.
03-01-2022, 08:02 AM
#12
Member
Not being snotty but this forum is titled the GLE Class (W166) forum up at the top.
Last edited by John Ha; 03-01-2022 at 08:10 AM.
